JIMMY GOPPERTH believes Newcastle Falcons’ forward thinking could make all the difference tonight as they host Exeter Chiefs at Kingston Park.

The Devon outfit make the 370-mile trip north for a vital Aviva Premiership encounter, with the fly-half backing Newcastle’s in-form forward pack to make their presence felt.

Gopperth, who crossed for his side’s only try in last weekend’s 23-14 loss at London Irish, said: “We are making progress as a side, but as a back-line we feel as if we need to step up and match the improvements the forwards have been making in recent weeks.

“Our pack have stepped up their game, the scrum is looking excellent and the physicality has been a lot more noticeable.

“All of our front-rowers have put in a real good shift, and with Euan Murray added back in the mix this week it just shows how strong we are now in that department.

“My try last week was extremely easy for me, because the forwards had done all the hard work.

“The platform they gave me from the scrum was outstanding, and when I was given the ball at first-receiver all I had to do was step one guy and get the ball down.”

Also going into the game as the Aviva Premiership’s most accurate goal-kicker, Gopperth’s majestic season with the boot has seen the former Hurricanes and Blues man notch up an 85% strike rate, having nailed 41 of his 48 attempts.

Last season’s Premiership and European Golden Boot winner knows he has a fight on his hands tonight, however, against a Chiefs side fresh from last weekend’s home win over Harlequins.

Gopperth added: “We know what Exeter are all about – it will be the fifth time we have played them this season and we need to make our home advantage count.

“They have a bit of mongrel in them, they are big boys and they are ruthless in the forwards.

“They will be looking to try and bully us, but we know we have to match them in that area and press on from there.”

Up against dead-eye marksman Gareth Steenson in tonight’s battle of the boot, Gopperth said of his opposite number: “He is a solid player.

“He kicks well, and Exeter’s whole game is built around adding that proven goal-kicker to the muscle they have upfront.

“He is a reliable shot and we have to be disciplined to avoid giving him penalties.”

Meanwhile, the Falcons received a further double boost ahead of tonight’s match with the news Tim Swinson and Alex Tait have both agreed new deals to stay at Kingston Park.

Swinson’s signature, in particular, will come as a great relief to Falcons bosses after lengthy negotiations for the coveted flanker.

Tait has agreed a new two-year deal after making 66 appearances in four seasons, having come through the Falcons’ academy.